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What does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?

  1. Thyroxine

  2. Oxytocin and ADH

  3. Growth hormone

  4. Cortisol

The correct answer is: Oxytocin and ADH

The posterior pituitary gland is responsible for the secretion of two key hormones: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin. These hormones play vital roles in various physiological functions. Oxytocin is crucial for childbirth as it stimulates uterine contractions and is also involved in breastfeeding by promoting milk ejection during lactation. Additionally, it has roles in social bonding and emotional responses. ADH helps regulate the body's retention of water by acting on the kidneys to promote water reabsorption in the renal tubules. This function is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body and regulating blood pressure. The other options provided (thyroxine, growth hormone, and cortisol) are hormones produced by different glands. Thyroxine is secreted by the thyroid gland and is critical for metabolism; growth hormone comes from the anterior pituitary gland and is important for growth and development; cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and plays a role in stress response and metabolism regulation. Thus, the correct identification of hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary is accurately reflected in the choice that includes oxytocin and ADH.